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Aldana A, Carneiro J, Martínez-Mekler G, Darszon A. Discrete Dynamic Model of the Mammalian Sperm Acrosome Reaction: The Influence of Acrosomal pH and Physiological Heterogeneity. Front Physiol 2021; 12:682790. [PMID: 34349664 PMCID: PMC8328089 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.682790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The acrosome reaction (AR) is an exocytotic process essential for mammalian fertilization. It involves diverse physiological changes (biochemical, biophysical, and morphological) that culminate in the release of the acrosomal content to the extracellular medium as well as a reorganization of the plasma membrane (PM) that allows sperm to interact and fuse with the egg. In spite of many efforts, there are still important pending questions regarding the molecular mechanism regulating the AR. Particularly, the contribution of acrosomal alkalinization to AR triggering physiological conditions is not well understood. Also, the dependence of the proportion of sperm capable of undergoing AR on the physiological heterogeneity within a sperm population has not been studied. Here, we present a discrete mathematical model for the human sperm AR based on the physiological interactions among some of the main components of this complex exocytotic process. We show that this model can qualitatively reproduce diverse experimental results, and that it can be used to analyze how acrosomal pH (pH a ) and cell heterogeneity regulate AR. Our results confirm that a pH a increase can on its own trigger AR in a subpopulation of sperm, and furthermore, it indicates that this is a necessary step to trigger acrosomal exocytosis through progesterone, a known natural inducer of AR. Most importantly, we show that the proportion of sperm undergoing AR is directly related to the detailed structure of the population physiological heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Aldana
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Mexico
- Centro de Ciencias de la Complejidad, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Jorge Carneiro
- Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Oeiras, Portugal
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Gustavo Martínez-Mekler
- Centro de Ciencias de la Complejidad, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
- Instituto de Ciencias Físicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Alberto Darszon
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Mexico
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Zhou W, De Iuliis GN, Dun MD, Nixon B. Characteristics of the Epididymal Luminal Environment Responsible for Sperm Maturation and Storage. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:59. [PMID: 29541061 PMCID: PMC5835514 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The testicular spermatozoa of all mammalian species are considered functionally immature owing to their inability to swim in a progressive manner and engage in productive interactions with the cumulus-oocyte complex. The ability to express these key functional attributes develops progressively during the cells' descent through the epididymis, a highly specialized ductal system that forms an integral part of the male reproductive tract. The functional maturation of the spermatozoon is achieved via continuous interactions with the epididymal luminal microenvironment and remarkably, occurs in the complete absence of de novo gene transcription or protein translation. Compositional analysis of the luminal fluids collected from the epididymis of a variety of species has revealed the complexity of this milieu, with a diversity of inorganic ions, proteins, and small non-coding RNA transcripts having been identified to date. Notably, both the quantitative and qualitative profile of each of these different luminal elements display substantial segment-to-segment variation, which in turn contribute to the regionalized functionality of this long tubule. Thus, spermatozoa acquire functional maturity in the proximal segments before being stored in a quiescent state in the distal segment in preparation for ejaculation. Such marked division of labor is achieved via the combined secretory and absorptive activity of the epithelial cells lining each segment. Here, we review our current understanding of the molecular mechanisms that exert influence over the unique intraluminal environment of the epididymis, with a particular focus on vesicle-dependent mechanisms that facilitate intercellular communication between the epididymal soma and maturing sperm cell population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhou
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Geoffry N. De Iuliis
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Matthew D. Dun
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- Cancer Research Program, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Brett Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- *Correspondence: Brett Nixon,
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3
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Zhou W, Anderson AL, Turner AP, De Iuliis GN, McCluskey A, McLaughlin EA, Nixon B. Characterization of a novel role for the dynamin mechanoenzymes in the regulation of human sperm acrosomal exocytosis. Mol Hum Reprod 2017; 23:657-673. [DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gax044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
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4
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Goud Gadila SK, Williams M, Saimani U, Delgado Cruz M, Makaraci P, Woodman S, Short JC, McDermott H, Kim K. Yeast dynamin Vps1 associates with clathrin to facilitate vesicular trafficking and controls Golgi homeostasis. Eur J Cell Biol 2017; 96:182-197. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2017.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2016] [Revised: 01/11/2017] [Accepted: 02/16/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
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Redgrove KA, Bernstein IR, Pye VJ, Mihalas BP, Sutherland JM, Nixon B, McCluskey A, Robinson PJ, Holt JE, McLaughlin EA. Dynamin 2 is essential for mammalian spermatogenesis. Sci Rep 2016; 6:35084. [PMID: 27725702 PMCID: PMC5057128 DOI: 10.1038/srep35084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2016] [Accepted: 09/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The dynamin family of proteins play important regulatory roles in membrane remodelling and endocytosis, especially within brain and neuronal tissues. In the context of reproduction, dynamin 1 (DNM1) and dynamin 2 (DNM2) have recently been shown to act as key mediators of sperm acrosome formation and function. However, little is known about the roles that these proteins play in the developing testicular germ cells. In this study, we employed a DNM2 germ cell-specific knockout model to investigate the role of DNM2 in spermatogenesis. We demonstrate that ablation of DNM2 in early spermatogenesis results in germ cell arrest during prophase I of meiosis, subsequent loss of all post-meiotic germ cells and concomitant sterility. These effects become exacerbated with age, and ultimately result in the demise of the spermatogonial stem cells and a Sertoli cell only phenotype. We also demonstrate that DNM2 activity may be temporally regulated by phosphorylation of DNM2 via the kinase CDK1 in spermatogonia, and dephosphorylation by phosphatase PPP3CA during meiotic and post-meiotic spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate A Redgrove
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.,PRC in Chemical Biology, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Ilana R Bernstein
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.,PRC in Chemical Biology, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Victoria J Pye
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.,PRC in Chemical Biology, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Bettina P Mihalas
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Jessie M Sutherland
- School of Biomedical Sciences &Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Brett Nixon
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.,PRC in Chemical Biology, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Adam McCluskey
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.,PRC in Chemical Biology, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Phillip J Robinson
- Cell Signalling Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Janet E Holt
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.,PRC in Chemical Biology, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Eileen A McLaughlin
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.,PRC in Chemical Biology, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.,School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
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6
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Lentiviral vector transduction of spermatozoa as a tool for the study of early development. FEBS Open Bio 2014; 4:266-75. [PMID: 24918038 PMCID: PMC4048842 DOI: 10.1016/j.fob.2014.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2013] [Revised: 02/13/2014] [Accepted: 02/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm are mature cell types that can be transduced by lentiviral vectors. Lentiviral integration in sperm has been demonstrated. Lentivirally transduced sperm is useful for the study of early development.
Spermatozoa and lentiviruses are two of nature’s most efficient gene delivery vehicles. Both can be genetically modified and used independently for the generation of transgenic animals or gene transfer/therapy of inherited disorders. Here we show that mature spermatozoa can be directly transduced with various pseudotyped lentiviral vectors and used in in vitro fertilisation studies. Lentiviral vectors encoding Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) were shown to be efficiently processed and expressed in sperm. When these transduced sperm were used in in vitro fertilisation studies, GFP expression was observed in arising blastocysts. This simple technique of directly transducing spermatozoa has potential to be a powerful tool for the study of early and pre-implantation development and could be used as a technique in transgenic development and vertical viral transmission studies.
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Key Words
- 293T, Human embryonic kidney cells
- 7-AAD, 7-Aminoactinomycin D
- AZT, azidodeoxythimidine
- CMV, Cytomegalovirus promoter
- Development
- EF-1, Elongation factor 1 alpha promoter
- GFP, Green Fluorescent Protein
- IVF, in vitro fertilisation
- In vitro fertilisation
- LTR, Long Terminal Repeat
- Lentiviral vectors
- PGK, Phosphoglycerate kinase promoter
- Spermatozoa
- Transduction
- Transgenics
- UCOE, ubiquitous chromatin opening element promoter
- VSV-g, vesicular stomatitis virus
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González-Jamett AM, Momboisse F, Haro-Acuña V, Bevilacqua JA, Caviedes P, Cárdenas AM. Dynamin-2 function and dysfunction along the secretory pathway. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2013; 4:126. [PMID: 24065954 PMCID: PMC3776141 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2013.00126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2013] [Accepted: 08/31/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Dynamin-2 is a ubiquitously expressed mechano-GTPase involved in different stages of the secretory pathway. Its most well-known function relates to the scission of nascent vesicles from the plasma membrane during endocytosis; however, it also participates in the formation of new vesicles from the Golgi network, vesicle trafficking, fusion processes and in the regulation of microtubule, and actin cytoskeleton dynamics. Over the last 8 years, more than 20 mutations in the dynamin-2 gene have been associated to two hereditary neuromuscular disorders: Charcot-Marie-Tooth neuropathy and centronuclear myopathy. Most of these mutations are grouped in the pleckstrin homology domain; however, there are no common mutations associated with both disorders, suggesting that they differently impact on dynamin-2 function in diverse tissues. In this review, we discuss the impact of these disease-related mutations on dynamin-2 function during vesicle trafficking and endocytotic processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arlek M. González-Jamett
- Facultad de Ciencias, Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Fanny Momboisse
- Facultad de Ciencias, Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Valentina Haro-Acuña
- Facultad de Ciencias, Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Jorge A. Bevilacqua
- Programa de Anatomía y Biología del Desarrollo, ICBM, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Neurología y Neurocirugía, Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Pablo Caviedes
- Programa de Farmacología Molecular y Clínica, ICBM, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ana María Cárdenas
- Facultad de Ciencias, Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
- *Correspondence: Ana María Cárdenas, Facultad de Ciencias, Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Universidad de Valparaíso, Gran Bretaña 1111, Playa Ancha 2360102, Valparaíso, Chile e-mail:
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8
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Govindaraju A, Uzun A, Robertson L, Atli MO, Kaya A, Topper E, Crate EA, Padbury J, Perkins A, Memili E. Dynamics of microRNAs in bull spermatozoa. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2012; 10:82. [PMID: 22978562 PMCID: PMC3488333 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-10-82] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2012] [Accepted: 08/29/2012] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression and thus play important roles in mammalian development. However, the comprehensive lists of microRNAs, as well as, molecular mechanisms by which microRNAs regulate gene expression during gamete and embryo development are poorly defined. The objectives of this study were to determine microRNAs in bull sperm and predict their functions. METHODS To accomplish our objectives we isolated miRNAs from sperm of high and low fertility bulls, conducted microRNA microarray experiments and validated expression of a panel of microRNAs using real time RT-PCR. Bioinformatic approaches were carried out to identify regulated targets. RESULTS We demonstrated that an abundance of microRNAs were present in bovine spermatozoa, however, only seven were differentially expressed; hsa-aga-3155, -8197, -6727, -11796, -14189, -6125, -13659. The abundance of miRNAs in the spermatozoa and the differential expression in sperm from high vs. low fertility bulls suggests that the miRNAs possibly play important functions in the regulating mechanisms of bovine spermatozoa. CONCLUSION Identification of specific microRNAs expressed in spermatozoa of bulls with different fertility phenotypes will help better understand mammalian gametogenesis and early development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aruna Govindaraju
- Departments of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA
| | - Alper Uzun
- Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, USA
| | - LaShonda Robertson
- Departments of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA
| | - Mehmet O Atli
- University of Wisconsin Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Dicle University, Diyarbakir, Turkey
| | | | | | - Elizabeth A Crate
- Departments of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA
- New College of Florida, Sarasota, FL, USA
| | | | - Andy Perkins
- Computer Sciences and Engineering, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA
| | - Erdogan Memili
- Departments of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, 39762, USA
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9
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Reid AT, Lord T, Stanger SJ, Roman SD, McCluskey A, Robinson PJ, Aitken RJ, Nixon B. Dynamin regulates specific membrane fusion events necessary for acrosomal exocytosis in mouse spermatozoa. J Biol Chem 2012; 287:37659-72. [PMID: 22977254 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m112.392803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian spermatozoa must complete an acrosome reaction prior to fertilizing an oocyte. The acrosome reaction is a unique exocytotic event involving a series of prolonged membrane fusions that ultimately result in the production of membrane vesicles and release of the acrosomal contents. This event requires the concerted action of a large number of fusion-competent signaling and scaffolding proteins. Here we show that two different members of the dynamin GTPase family localize to the developing acrosome of maturing mouse germ cells. Both dynamin 1 and 2 also remain within the periacrosomal region of mature mouse spermatozoa and are thus well positioned to regulate the acrosome reaction. Two pharmacological inhibitors of dynamin, dynasore and Dyngo-4a, blocked the in vitro induction of acrosomal exocytosis by progesterone, but not by the calcium ionophore A23187, and elicited a concomitant reduction of in vitro fertilization. In vivo treatment with these inhibitors also resulted in spermatozoa displaying reduced acrosome reaction potential. Dynamin 1 and 2 phosphorylation increased on progesterone treatment, and this was also selectively blocked by dynasore. On the basis of our collective data, we propose that dynamin could regulate specific membrane fusion events necessary for acrosomal exocytosis in mouse spermatozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew T Reid
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Discipline of Biological Sciences, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
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10
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Gadella BM, Evans JP. Membrane Fusions During Mammalian Fertilization. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2011; 713:65-80. [DOI: 10.1007/978-94-007-0763-4_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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11
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Hermo L, Pelletier RM, Cyr DG, Smith CE. Surfing the wave, cycle, life history, and genes/proteins expressed by testicular germ cells. Part 2: changes in spermatid organelles associated with development of spermatozoa. Microsc Res Tech 2010; 73:279-319. [PMID: 19941292 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.20787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Spermiogenesis is a long process whereby haploid spermatids derived from the meiotic divisions of spermatocytes undergo metamorphosis into spermatozoa. It is subdivided into distinct steps with 19 being identified in rats, 16 in mouse and 8 in humans. Spermiogenesis extends over 22.7 days in rats and 21.6 days in humans. In this part, we review several key events that take place during the development of spermatids from a structural and functional point of view. During early spermiogenesis, the Golgi apparatus forms the acrosome, a lysosome-like membrane bound organelle involved in fertilization. The endoplasmic reticulum undergoes several topographical and structural modifications including the formation of the radial body and annulate lamellae. The chromatoid body is fully developed and undergoes structural and functional modifications at this time. It is suspected to be involved in RNA storing and processing. The shape of the spermatid head undergoes extensive structural changes that are species-specific, and the nuclear chromatin becomes compacted to accommodate the stream-lined appearance of the sperm head. Microtubules become organized to form a curtain or manchette that associates with spermatids at specific steps of their development. It is involved in maintenance of the sperm head shape and trafficking of proteins in the spermatid cytoplasm. During spermiogenesis, many genes/proteins have been implicated in the diverse dynamic events occurring at this time of development of germ cells and the absence of some of these have been shown to result in subfertility or infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis Hermo
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3A 2B2.
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12
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Dynamin 2 and human diseases. J Mol Med (Berl) 2010; 88:339-50. [PMID: 20127478 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-009-0587-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2009] [Revised: 12/21/2009] [Accepted: 12/25/2009] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Dynamin 2 (DNM2) mutations cause autosomal dominant centronuclear myopathy, a rare form of congenital myopathy, and intermediate and axonal forms of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a peripheral neuropathy. DNM2 is a large GTPase mainly involved in membrane trafficking through its function in the formation and release of nascent vesicles from biological membranes. DNM2 participates in clathrin-dependent and clathrin-independent endocytosis and intracellular membrane trafficking (from endosomes and Golgi apparatus). Recent studies have also implicated DNM2 in exocytosis. DNM2 belongs to the machinery responsible for the formation of vesicles and regulates the cytoskeleton providing intracellular vesicle transport. In addition, DNM2 tightly interacts with and is involved in the regulation of actin and microtubule networks, independent from membrane trafficking processes. We summarize here the molecular, biochemical, and functional data on DNM2 and discuss the possible pathophysiological mechanisms via which DNM2 mutations can lead to two distinct neuromuscular disorders.
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13
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Dun MD, Mitchell LA, Aitken RJ, Nixon B. Sperm-zona pellucida interaction: molecular mechanisms and the potential for contraceptive intervention. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2010:139-178. [PMID: 20839091 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-02062-9_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
At the moment of insemination, millions of mammalian sperm cells are released into the female reproductive tract with the single goal of finding the oocyte. The spermatozoa subsequently ignore the thousands of cells they make contact with during their journey to the site of fertilization, until they reach the surface of the oocyte. At this point, they bind tenaciously to the acellular coat, known as the zona pellucida, which surrounds the oocyte and orchestrate a cascade of cellular interactions that culminate in fertilization. These exquisitely cell- and species- specific recognition events are among the most strategically important cellular interactions in biology. Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underpin them has implications for the etiology of human infertility and the development of novel targets for fertility regulation. Herein we describe our current understanding of the molecular basis of successful sperm-zona pellucida binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D Dun
- Reproductive Science Group, School of Environmental & Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
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14
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Nixon B, Aitken RJ. The biological significance of detergent-resistant membranes in spermatozoa. J Reprod Immunol 2009; 83:8-13. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2009.06.258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2008] [Revised: 05/01/2009] [Accepted: 06/19/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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15
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Nixon B, Bielanowicz A, Mclaughlin EA, Tanphaichitr N, Ensslin MA, Aitken RJ. Composition and significance of detergent resistant membranes in mouse spermatozoa. J Cell Physiol 2009; 218:122-34. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.21575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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16
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Zhao L, Burkin HR, Shi X, Li L, Reim K, Miller DJ. Complexin I is required for mammalian sperm acrosomal exocytosis. Dev Biol 2007; 309:236-44. [PMID: 17692307 PMCID: PMC2099451 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2007.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2007] [Revised: 07/10/2007] [Accepted: 07/12/2007] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Regulated exocytosis in many cells is controlled by the SNARE complex, whose core includes three proteins that promote membrane fusion. Complexins I and II are highly related cytosolic proteins that bind tightly to the assembled SNARE complex and regulate neuronal exocytosis. Like somatic cells, sperm undergo regulated exocytosis; however, sperm release a single large vesicle, the acrosome, whose release has different characteristics than neuronal exocytosis. Acrosomal release is triggered upon sperm adhesion to the mammalian egg extracellular matrix (zona pellucida) to allow penetration of the egg coat. Membrane fusion occurs at multiple points within the acrosome but how fusion is activated and the formation and progression of fusion points is synchronized is unclear. We show that complexins I and II are found in acrosome-intact mature sperm, bind to SNARE complex proteins, and are not detected in sperm after acrosomal exocytosis (acrosome reaction). Although complexin-I-deficient sperm acrosome-react in response to calcium ionophore, they do not acrosome-react in response to egg zona pellucida proteins and have reduced fertilizing ability, in vitro. Complexin II is present in the complexin-I-deficient sperm and its expression is increased in complexin-I-deficient testes. Therefore, complexin I functions in exocytosis in two related but morphologically distinct secretory processes. Sperm are unusual because they express both complexins I and II but have a unique and specific requirement for complexin I.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longmei Zhao
- University of Illinois, Department of Animal Sciences, 1207 West Gregory Drive, Urbana, Illinois 61801
| | - Heather R. Burkin
- University of Illinois, Department of Animal Sciences, 1207 West Gregory Drive, Urbana, Illinois 61801
| | - Xudong Shi
- University of Illinois, Department of Animal Sciences, 1207 West Gregory Drive, Urbana, Illinois 61801
| | - Lingjun Li
- University of Wisconsin, School of Pharmacy, 777 Highland Avenue, Madison, Wisconsin 53705
| | - Kerstin Reim
- Max-Plank-Institute for Experimental Medicine, Department of Molecular Neurobiology, D-37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - David J. Miller
- University of Illinois, Department of Animal Sciences, 1207 West Gregory Drive, Urbana, Illinois 61801
- Correspondence should be addressed to: David J. Miller, University of Illinois, 1207 West Gregory Drive, Urbana, Illinois 61801, Tel: (217) 333-3408, Fax: (217) 333-8286, e-mail:
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17
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Roggero CM, De Blas GA, Dai H, Tomes CN, Rizo J, Mayorga LS. Complexin/synaptotagmin interplay controls acrosomal exocytosis. J Biol Chem 2007; 282:26335-43. [PMID: 17613520 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m700854200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulated secretion is a fundamental process underlying the function of many cell types. In particular, acrosomal exocytosis in mammalian sperm is essential for egg fertilization. Regulated secretion requires SNARE proteins and, in neurons, also synaptotagmin I and complexin. Recent reports suggest that complexin imposes a fusion block that is released by Ca(2+) and synaptotagmin I. However, no direct evidence for this model in secreting cells has been provided and whether this complexin/synaptotagmin interplay functions in other types of secretion is unknown. In this report, we show that the C2B domain of synaptotagmin VI and an anti-complexin antibody blocked the formation of trans SNARE complexes in permeabilized human sperm, and that this effect was reversed by adding complexin. In contrast, an excess of complexin stopped exocytosis at a later step, when SNAREs were assembled in loose trans complexes. Interestingly, this blockage was released by the addition of the synaptotagmin VI C2B domain in the presence of Ca(2+). We have previously demonstrated that the activity of this domain is regulated by protein kinase C-mediated phosphorylation. Here, we show that a phosphomimetic mutation in the polybasic region of the C2B domain strongly affects its Ca(2+) and phospholipids binding properties. Importantly, this mutation completely abrogates its ability to rescue the complexin block. Our results show that the functional interplay between complexin and synaptotagmin has a central role in a physiological secretion event, and that this interplay can be modulated by phosphorylation of the C2B domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos M Roggero
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Histología y Embriología (IHEM-CONICET), Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza 5500, Argentina
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